Beryllium
Australia Safework Australia
Transportation and Warehousing, Manufacturing
Beryllium (CAS 7440-41-7) is a grey metal that is found in nature as a mineral with silica and/or aluminium.
Beryllium metal is used in:
- in structural material in space technology
- as an additive to rocket fuels
- as a moderator and reflector in nuclear reactors
- in navigational systems
- in manufacturing.
Beryllium hydroxide is used as feedstock for production of:
- beryllium oxides
- metal and copper beryllium master alloy.
Beryllium oxide is used to manufacture:
-
- specialty electrical and high-technology ceramics, for example resistor cores
- special glass
- electronic heat sinks
- electron and laser tubes
- electrical insulators
- electronic components, for example circuit chip carriers
- nuclear moderators and fuels
- military vehicle armour
- rocket nozzles
- laser components.
Baseline Testing
A baseline beryllium health monitoring medical contains the following tests:
- Demographic, medical and occupational history
- Respiratory function and past exposure questionnaire
- Medical Examination with particular focus on the respiratory and dermatological systems
- Spirometry (lung function) test
- Urinalysis – Blood Protein and Sugar
- Pathology – Urinary beryllium level
- KINNECT Dr Review and Sign off
Periodic Testing
Periodic medical examinations of workers exposed to beryllium should include work history, medical history and a physical examination with emphasis on the respiratory and dermatological systems.
- Demographic, medical and occupational history
- Respiratory function and past exposure questionnaire
- Medical Examination with particular focus on the respiratory and dermatological systems
- Urinalysis – Blood Protein and Sugar
- Spirometry (lung function) test
- Pathology – Urinary beryllium level
- KINNECT Dr Review and Sign off
Exit Testing: Termination of work in a Beryllium process
A final beryllium health monitoring medical contains the following tests:
- Demographic, medical and occupational history
- Respiratory function and past exposure questionnaire
- Medical Examination with particular focus on the respiratory and dermatological systems
- Urinalysis – Blood Protein and Sugar
- Spirometry (lung function) test
- Pathology – Urinary beryllium level
- KINNECT Dr Review and Sign off
Biological Exposure Windowns
Urine samples should be collected at the end of shift, preferably at the end of the working week.
Please note this information should be taken into consideration by those planning and administering the health monitoring program.
Further Information
Safework Australia health monitoring guidance for Beryllium:
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